NURS 6501 – Week 3 Study Guide

NURS 6501 – Week 3 Study Guide
Innate & Adaptive Immunity + Inflammation

Walden University – Advanced Pathophysiology
High-Yield Notes | NCLEX-Style Questions Included



Core Concepts in Immunity

1. Innate Immunity (Nonspecific Defense)

• First line: Skin, mucous membranes, tears, saliva

• Second line: Inflammation, fever, phagocytes (neutrophils/macrophages)

• Key cells: Natural Killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, mast cells

• Fast acting, no memory



2. Adaptive Immunity (Specific Defense)

• Slower to activate, but specific and has memory

• Humoral immunity: B cells → antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD)

• Cell-mediated immunity: T cells (CD4 = helper, CD8 = cytotoxic)

• Requires antigen presentation by MHC (I and II)



3. Inflammation

• Cardinal signs: Redness, heat, swelling, pain, loss of function

• Chemical mediators: Histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines

• Acute inflammation = short-lived (e.g., injury)

• Chronic inflammation = prolonged, may lead to tissue damage (e.g., RA)



4. Hypersensitivity Reactions

Type Mechanism Example

I IgE-mediated (immediate) Anaphylaxis, asthma

II Cytotoxic (IgG/IgM) Hemolytic anemia, transfusion rxn

III Immune complex Lupus, RA